The Premier League is really up and running in 2024 as we prepare for a scintillating five months of action in the second half of the season. There’s still a lot to play for as we kick on through January and with the transfer window now being open, anything is possible. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be an entertaining clash between Everton and Aston Villa.
Everton Form GuideEverton have been handed a ten-point deduction and while some fans may feel like that isn’t particularly fair, there’s no time for complaints or excuses. The Toffees know that they’ll have to work incredibly hard if they’re going to fend off the threat of relegation and although their recent performances on the pitch have been promising, there’s still a long way to go this season.
Since beating Burnley in the league, Everton have struggled to get things going on the pitch. They lost on penalties to Fulham in the League Cup before EPL defeats against Tottenham, Manchester City and Wolves. Then, in the FA Cup, they only picked up a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
Aston Villa Form GuideAston Villa are a club transformed under Unai Emery. They really do feel like a complete unit for the first time in a long time, and their reward is the return of European football to Villa Park. Given what they’ve been able to do in the summer transfer window, many are wondering just how far up the table they can go. Right now, it truly feels like the sky is the limit for the Midlanders.
Following a nice 2-1 win over Brentford, Villa were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sheffield United. They were then beaten 3-2 in dramatic fashion by Manchester United, but they bounced back in style with wins over Burnley and Middlesbrough.
Match PredictionEverton will feel like they have something to prove after their recent run of results and Sean Dyche is the kind of manager who can pull a big performance out of his side. Villa, of course, are a very impressive side, with our prediction here being over 2.5 goals scored.
